Kashmir introduces trekking courses to promote adventure tourism

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Last Updated: Thu, Dec 27, 2012 11:00 hrs

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have introduced trekking courses to promote adventure tourism.

The Jammu and Kashmir ski and mountaineering association in collaboration with tourism department organized a trek from Faqeer Gujri, a village, which is, located 9.3 kilometres from Srinagar to Asthanmarg in the city's outskirts at Zabarwan range.

The main objective behind it was to help the youth of the valley to become professional guides and in turn promote eco-tourism.

The organizer and trek leader, Mohammad Yousuf, said these types of courses would promote adventure tourism and would also attract more youth towards the sports.

"In the last one or two years, the tourism industry in the Kashmir valley is reviving. But only pleasure tourism is being revived but the adventure tourism is not being promoted at that level. The reason behind it is the lack of manpower. I used to work as a mountain guide but I have grown old and I cannot go. Therefore, now we have to train the youth for trekking, skiing and rafting. We are providing them the training. The youth will get interested towards trekking and they will get an opportunity to explore other areas," said Yousuf.

People associated with the tourism industry said the government should promote more such activities, as it would provide a boost to the industry.

Tourists, both domestic and foreign, visit the valley, and of late, adventure tourism has gained in popularity.

A participant, Mudasir Ahmad, said: "It is a very good initiative, as youth and small children are participating in the trekking course, and as the trekkers, can excel in their life. The trekking business will also promote the tourism industry." (ANI)